Travel Visa: China To Canada

If you're a Canadian citizen wanting to travel to China, you'll need to apply for a tourist visa. This can be done at one of the Chinese Visa Service Application Centres in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal. The process involves an appointment, and you'll need to provide a range of documentation, including a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a passport photo, proof of legal status, and more. The visa fee for Canadian passport holders is currently C$75 per person for all kinds of entries.

Where to get a visa for China

To obtain a visa for China, you must first complete the online application form at the China Online Visa Application (COVA) website. The application form cannot be modified once submitted, so it is important to ensure that the information provided is true, accurate, and complete.

After submitting the form, you will need to prepare the required documents, which vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Basic documents are needed for all visa types, while additional general documents are required depending on the specific visa category.

The next step is to submit the printed application form and supporting documents to the corresponding Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General. The Visa Section of the Embassy is located at 2201 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 110, Washington, D.C. 20007, and its office hours are 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Friday, closed on weekends and holidays. Typically, the processing time for a Chinese visa is 4 working days, but expedited processing is available for an additional fee.

In addition to the Embassy in Washington, D.C., China also has Consulate-Generals in several other cities in the United States, including:

• Chicago
• Los Angeles
• New York
• San Francisco

Each Consulate-General has its own jurisdiction and serves specific states or regions. Therefore, it is essential to refer to the consular jurisdiction information when submitting your application.

Basic documents required for a Chinese visa application

When applying for a Chinese visa, there are several basic documents that are typically required. Here is a list of the essential documents you will need to provide:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in China and have at least two blank visa pages. If you have previous passports with previous Chinese visas or entry/exit stamps, it is recommended to provide copies of those as well.
• Visa Application Form: You will need to complete the Chinese visa application form accurately and in its entirety. This form can usually be filled out online or by hand.
• Photographs: You must provide a recent passport-sized photograph that meets the Chinese government's requirements. This includes size, background, expression, head position, eye contact, clothing, and photo quality specifications.
• Proof of Legal Stay or Residence: If you are applying for a visa outside your country of citizenship, you must provide proof of your legal stay or residence status. This can include valid certificates, visas, or other documents issued by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently residing.
• Previous Chinese Passports or Visas: If you are a former Chinese citizen who has obtained foreign citizenship, you may need to provide your previous Chinese passports and visas. If your name has changed, you will also need to provide official documentation of the name change.
• Proof of Financial Means: You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your trip to China. This can be in the form of bank statements, proof of income, or other relevant documents.
• Travel Itinerary: A detailed travel itinerary is typically required, including flight reservations, hotel bookings, and the intended dates of your stay in China.
• Proof of Ties to Home Country: To demonstrate your intention to return to your home country after your trip, you can provide documents such as employment letters, property ownership deeds, or proof of family commitments.

Please note that the required documents may vary slightly depending on your specific situation and the visa type you are applying for. It is always recommended to check with the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the required documents for your Chinese visa application.

Supporting documents required for a Chinese visa

The documents required for a Chinese visa vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's circumstances. Here is a detailed overview of the supporting documents needed for different types of Chinese visas:

Tourist Visa (L)

• Round-trip ticket booking record and proof of hotel reservations. Alternatively, an invitation letter from a contact in China, including the host's name, contact details, nature of relationship, and financial arrangements for the trip.
• A completed visa application form with a recent passport-sized photo.
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank visa pages.
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during the trip.
• A copy of the confirmed flight itinerary, showing entry and exit dates.
• Copies of previous passports containing Chinese visas or entry/exit stamps, if applicable.

Business Visa (M)

• Documents outlining commercial activities, issued by a Chinese trade partner, or an invitation letter from a relevant entity in China.
• A letter from the applicant's US-based company.
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank visa pages.
• A completed visa application form with a recent passport-sized photo.
• Proof of state residency, such as a driver's license or utility bill.
• A "Where You Stay" form, included in the application kit.

Non-commercial Visit Visa (F)

• An invitation letter from a relevant entity or individual in China, including the host's name, contact details, and other personal information.
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank visa pages.
• A completed visa application form with a recent passport-sized photo.
• Proof of state residency, such as a driver's license or utility bill.
• A "Where You Stay" form, included in the application kit.

Student Visa (X)

• Original and copy of the admission letter from a school or educational entity in China.
• Original and copy of "Visa Application for Study in China" (Form JW201 or Form JW202). This is required for stays longer than six months.
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank visa pages.
• A completed visa application form with a recent passport-sized photo.

Work/Employment Visa (Z)

• One of the following: Foreigner's Employment Permit, Registration Certificate of Resident Representative, Approval Document for Commercial Performances, or Invitation Letter to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations.
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank visa pages.
• A completed visa application form with a recent passport-sized photo.

Private Visit Visa (S)

• An invitation letter from a foreigner with a work or student visa in China.
• A photocopy of the host's passport and residence permit.
• Proof of kinship, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or certification of kinship.
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank visa pages.
• A completed visa application form with a recent passport-sized photo.

Family Reunion Visa (Q)

• An invitation letter from a Chinese citizen or a foreigner with a Chinese permanent residence permit.
• A photocopy of the host's Chinese ID, foreign passport, or permanent residence permit.
• Proof of kinship, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or certification of kinship.
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank visa pages.
• A completed visa application form with a recent passport-sized photo.

Transit Visa (G)

• A confirmed onward air, train, or ship ticket to the destination country or region.
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity and two blank visa pages.
• A completed visa application form with a recent passport-sized photo.

How to apply for a Chinese visa in China

To apply for a Chinese visa, you should follow these steps:

• Find out if you need a visa: Check if you meet any of China's visa-free policies.
• Find out which visa you need: There are many types of Chinese visas, so choose the one that applies to your situation. For example, if you are planning a vacation, apply for a Tourist Visa (L Visa).
• Prepare the required documents: This includes a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and a recent passport-type photograph. Depending on the type of visa, you may also need additional documents such as proof of hotel reservations or an invitation letter.
• Submit the application: You can submit your application to the Visa Office at Chinese embassies or consulates, or China Visa Application Service Centers (CVASC). In some countries, you may be required to submit your application in person and provide fingerprints.
• Pay the fee and collect your visa: Go to the place where you applied for your Chinese visa, pay the fee, and collect your visa. The fee varies depending on your nationality and the number of entries.

Please note that it is recommended to apply for your visa one to two months before your intended travel date. Additionally, make sure that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining when you enter China.

Chinese visa application cost

The Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in the US have reduced their visa fees to facilitate people-to-people exchanges. These fees are applicable from 11 December 2023 to 31 December 2024.

The cost of a Chinese visa depends on the type of visa and the number of entries. A multiple-entry visa for 6 months or 12 months or more costs $25 per visa for express service, in addition to the regular visa fee.

The exact cost of a Chinese visa for Canadian citizens depends on the location and the type of L-visa chosen. The processing fee is generally USD $270.99. Additional services such as iVisa Plus subscription, Premium Concierge Service, Embassy Registration, or Premium Photo Services can be added during the application process for extra fees.

The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Calgary accepts applications from residents of AB, SK, and NW Territory.

Frequently asked questions